Holy Trinity football coach John Barber, long before the 2017 season even began, made no secret regarding what unit on his team would lead the Pride during the fall: the team's all-senior starting offensive line.

"We were confident in who we had coming back and what they were doing during the winter and spring," Barber said.

The Pride (11-1), ranked No. 2 in the state, take on top-ranked Skaneateles (11-1) Friday for the Class C state title at the Syracuse Carrier Dome. Game time is 6 p.m.

"Without them, we wouldn't be here. They are absolutely the reason we're here," Holy Trinity sophomore quarterback Joe Tortello said. "Coach always says, 'they are going to win the games for us.' They have. ... I wish I could have them another year."

"We can't do anything without them," Holy Trinity sophomore wide receiver Nacier Hundley said. "I do the easy stuff. They give me the opportunities. They are the reason why we are here. They win every game for us."

"Their leadership has carried down to the younger guys and drove them to understand what the expectations were and what we were looking for," Barber said.

Buoyed by the play from the boys up front, Holy Trinity is averaging 39.7 points per game.

"Without a good offensive line, you could have the greatest skill kids around and it wouldn't even matter," said Maloney, a five-year starter who is headed next to play at the University of Connecticut. "With us all being the same age, playing with each other and growing up together, that gives us confidence."

"Individually, and as a unit, we all believed we could do something special." Thayer said.

The Pride have protected Tortello in the pocket and the sophomore, in turn, has thrown for 2,090 yards and 35 touchdowns. That work begins outside with Maloney (6-foot-8, 275 pounds) and Thayer (6-3, 255) controlling the perimeter.

"I think our pass protection is on point and we're solid with the run game," Maloney said. "Honestly, I think that is one of our best assets. With us, you don't know what is going to come next."

"Liam and Tommy both do a great job. They will play at a high level of football next year," Barber said. "The three guys on the interior have really done well. Big 'Q' and Jacob have been solid. Sam has been great with the short snaps and the long snaps. They are tough kids and control what we do.

"We have three different pass protections. Sam has to make a call up front and Joey needs to know where his hot (read) is. They all have to think. On the run plays, they have to make combo calls. This just isn't something where you put your hand in the ground and go forward."

Thayer, Marrone (5-10, 285) and Lock (5-10, 230) are three-year starters and Quinones (6-4, 300), who lost nearly 40 pounds, is in his second year as a starter.

What makes this offensive line so special, in addition to its continuity, strength and skill, is the ability to be able to run block and pass protect with equal effectiveness. The ground game, paced by senior running back Dion Sexton, has generated 1,873 yards.

"You never know what you are going to face from us as a defense. We can spread it out throwing it or bring it inside and run up the middle," Thayer said.

"We want to control the inside with the three of us," Lock said. "Liam and Tom have things under control outside. We have all been around and have a lot of chemistry. We're blessed with a lot of athletes on this team and we know we can play with anybody at the line."